Thermal imager devices

ABSTRACT

A thermal imager device, where the thermal imager device includes a thermal imager housing. The thermal imager housing includes a display and user controls. The thermal imager device also includes a removable detector housing including a thermal detector. The thermal imager device also includes a flexible connector configured to detachably couple the removable detector to the thermal imager housing, the flexible connector including a first end, a second end, and a body between the first end and the second end, where the flexible connector is configured to detachably couple to the thermal imager housing at the first end, and where the flexible connector is configured to detachably couple to the removable detector housing at the second end.

BACKGROUND

Technicians use a variety of tools to diagnose various items, such as avehicle, a house, a building, or a component or system on or in one ofthose items, such as a window or a heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) system. In some instances the diagnosis pertains toa temperature of the item. Under those and other circumstances, thetechnician may use a thermal imager device to capture a thermal image ofthe item under diagnosis.

Often, access to the various items described above (e.g., a vehicle, ahouse, a building, or a component or system) is limited or restrictedand thus difficult for a technician to obtain an accurate reading usinga thermal imager device. Additionally, a technician may not have a clearline of sight to the area in which the technician is attempting toimage.

OVERVIEW

Several example implementations relate to a thermal imager device thatcaptures and/or displays images including an image captured by a visiblelight camera, an image captured by a thermal camera, or a blended imagedbased on the images captured by the visible light and thermal cameras.In an example embodiment, the thermal imager device includes a flexibleconnector between a body of the thermal imager device and a thermaldetector. Namely, the thermal imager device is modularized such that aflexible connector may optionally be utilized between a main body of thethermal imager device and a thermal detector. Such a flexible connectorcan provide access to areas which may otherwise be difficult to reach orrestricted.

In a first implementation, a thermal imager device is provided. Thethermal imager device includes a thermal imager housing, the thermalimager housing including a display and user controls. The thermal imagerdevice also includes a removable detector housing including a thermaldetector. The thermal imager device further includes a flexibleconnector configured to detachably couple the removable detector to thethermal imager housing, the flexible connector comprising a first end, asecond end, and a body between the first end and the second end, wherethe flexible connector is configured to detachably couple to the thermalimager housing at the first end, and where the flexible connector isconfigured to detachably couple to the removable detector housing at thesecond end.

In a second implementation, another example thermal imager device isprovided. The thermal imager device includes a thermal imager housing,the thermal imager housing including a display and user controls. Thethermal imager device further includes a removable detector housingcomprising a thermal detector, where the removable detector housingincludes a first connector, where the thermal imager housing includes asecond connector, and where the removable detector housing is configuredto detachably couple directly to the thermal imager housing by couplingthe first connector to the second connector.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the thermal imagerhousing is configured to detachably couple directly to the removabledetector housing.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the removable detectorhousing includes a camera and a light.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the first end of theflexible connector includes a first magnetic connector, where thethermal imager housing includes a second magnetic connector, and wherethe first end of the flexible connector is configured to detachablycouple to the thermal imager housing by coupling the first magneticconnector to the second magnetic connector.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the second end of theflexible connector includes a third magnetic connector, where thethermal imager housing includes a fourth magnetic connector, and wherethe second end of the flexible connector is configured to detachablycouple the removable detector housing by coupling the third magneticconnector to the fourth magnetic connector.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the first end of theflexible connector includes a first mechanical fastener and the thermalimager housing includes a second mechanical fastener, where the firstend of the flexible connector is configured to detachably couple to thethermal imager housing by coupling the first mechanical fastener to thesecond mechanical fastener.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the second end of theflexible connector includes a third mechanical fastener and theremovable detector housing includes a fourth mechanical fastener, wherethe second end of the flexible connector is configured to detachablycouple to the removable detector housing by coupling the thirdmechanical fastener to the fourth mechanical fastener.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the flexible connectorincludes electrically non-conductive material.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the flexible connectorincludes a plurality of links and where each link of the plurality oflinks is frictionally coupled to another link of the plurality of links.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the flexible connector issemi-rigid such that the flexible connector is adjustable uponapplication of a force.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the flexible connectorincludes a first electrical component on the first side of the flexibleconnector and a second electrical component on the second side of theflexible connector, where the first electrical connector is configuredto electrically couple to a third electrical component on the thermalimager housing, and where the second electrical component is configuredto electrically couple to a fourth electrical component on the removabledetector housing.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the flexible connectorhouses a flexible electrical wire electrically connecting the firstelectrical component and the second electrical component.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the body of the flexibleconnector includes a plastic material.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the thermal imagerhousing houses a first communication unit and the removable detectorhousing houses a second communication unit, and wherein the firstcommunication unit and second communication unit are configured tocommunicate via a wireless connection.

In an embodiment of the thermal imager device, the thermal imagerhousing is coupled to a handle and where the user control includes atrigger button on the handle.

Other embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart by reading the following detailed description, with reference whereappropriate to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a thermal imager device,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of a thermal imager device,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of a thermal imager device,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a thermal imager device, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a thermal imager device, according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of a thermal imager housing, accordingto an example embodiment.

FIG. 6B illustrates a plan view of a removable detector housing,according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates a thermal imager device in which a flexibleconnector is in a first configuration and a removable detector housingis in a first position, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7B illustrates a thermal imager device in which a flexibleconnector is in a second configuration and a removable detector housingis in a second position, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flexible connector, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates a flexible connector, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 9B illustrates links of a flexible connector, according to anexample embodiment.

The drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale. In thedrawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unlesscontext dictates otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description describes several example embodiments, at least somewhich relate to thermal imager devices. In example embodiments, thethermal imager device is modularized such that a flexible connector mayoptionally be utilized between a main body of the thermal imager deviceand a thermal detector. Such a flexible connector can provide access toareas which may be otherwise be difficult to reach or restricted.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example thermal imager device 100, according toan example embodiment. The thermal imager device 100 includes a thermalimager housing 102 and a removable detector housing 104, the removabledetector housing 104 including a thermal detector 114. As described inmore detail below the removable detector housing 104 is configured todetachably couple directly to the thermal imager housing 102.

In example embodiments, the thermal imager housing 102 includes adisplay 106, user controls 108, and a handle 112. The handle 112 mayadditionally include a trigger button 110. Further, the thermal imagerhousing 102 can include a computing device housed within the thermalimager housing 102. The computing device includes at least one processorand data storage including program instructions stored thereon that whenexecuted by the at least one processor, cause the thermal imager device100 to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Inexamples, the processor is communicatively coupled to the thermaldetector 114, such that the processor receives data from the thermaldetector 114, as described in more detail below.

In example embodiments, the display 106 includes a display fordisplaying content of a communication transmitted by the removabledetector housing 104 and/or a menu that can be navigated using the usercontrols 108. The display 106 can include a capacitive touch screendisplay, a resistive touch screen display, a plasma display, an LEDdisplay, a cathode ray tube display, an OLED display, and/or an LCD. Thedisplay 106 can include a touch screen display with the LCD. Forinstance, the display 106 can include a capacitive (such as a projectivecapacitive) touch screen display or a resistive touch screen display.Other examples of the display 106 are possible.

The user controls 108 include controls, such as one or more controlbuttons (or more simply, “buttons” or “keys”) that can be used tocontrol operation of the thermal imager device 100. A control button orkey can be used to enter a selection or information for the thermalimager device 100.

As an example, a control button of the user controls 108 can beoperatively connected to the processor. In response to use of thecontrol button (e.g., pressing the control button and/or releasing thecontrol button while pressed), the processor can detect a change in anelectrical signal input to the processor to detect that the controlbutton is being used or was used, and perform a control function relatedto the control button at the time the control button is being used orwas used. One or more control buttons of the user controls 108 can beused to navigate a menu displayed on the display 106.

In an example implementation in which the computing device includes atouch screen display, one or more control functions discussed in thisdisclosure as being performed to by computing device can be performed bytouching the touch screen display while displaying an applicable touchscreen display control.

As noted above, the removable detector housing 104 houses the thermaldetector 114. In example embodiments, the removable detector housing 104can additionally house a camera 116 and a light 118.

In an example implementation, the camera 116 includes a visible lightcamera and the thermal detector 114 includes a thermal camera. Thethermal camera can be referred to as a “thermal detector.” In thisimplementation, the visible light camera 116 can include a visiblesensor array to capture visible light radiation and output a visiblelight image, and the thermal camera 114 can include a thermal sensorarray to capture infrared radiation and output a thermal image. Thethermal sensor array can output radiometry to provide a thermal imagewith measurements.

In an example embodiment, the camera 116 is a visible light cameraconfigured to generate visible light images having a first resolution(e.g., a first number of pixels) and the thermal detector 114 is athermal camera configured to generate thermal images having a secondresolution, different than the first resolution. For instance, theresolution of the camera 116 can be 640 pixels wide×480 pixels high andthe resolution of the thermal camera can be 80 pixels wide by 60 pixelshigh.

The visible light camera 116 can include a sensor array to detectintensities and wavelengths (e.g., 380 nanometers (nm) to 750 nm) ofvisible light radiation that is visible to a human eye. The visiblesensor array of the visible light camera can include a charge-coupleddevice (CCD) image sensor array, a complementary metal oxidesemi-conductor (CMOS) imager sensor array, and/or one or more otheroptical elements that is/are known in the art.

The thermal detector 114 can include a sensor array to detectintensities and wavelengths of infrared radiation (e.g., 750 nm to 1millimeter (mm)). As an example, the thermal camera can include abolometer sensor array (e.g., an uncooled micro-bolometer) or athermopile infrared sensor array. Additionally or alternatively, thethermal detector 114 can include ferroelectric materials and/or mayinclude a pyroelectric element.

In example embodiments, the removable detector housing 104 may alsohouse a computing device similar to the computing device of the thermalimager housing 102. Namely, the computing device includes at least oneprocessor and data storage including program instructions stored thereonthat when executed by the at least one processor, cause components ofthe removable detector housing 104 (e.g., thermal detector 114, camera116, and/or light 118) to perform one or more of the functions describedherein. In examples, the processor housed in the removable detectorhousing 104 is communicatively coupled to the processor housed in thethermal imager housing 102, such that the processors transmit andreceive data from one another, as described in more detail below.

In example embodiments, the removable detector housing 104 may house apower source, such as recharcheable and/or removable batteries.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate plan views of aspects of the thermal imagerdevice 100, according to example embodiments. FIG. 6A illustrates afront view of the thermal imager housing 102, according to an exampleembodiment. FIG. 6B illustrates a back view of the removable detectorhousing 104, according to an example embodiment.

In example embodiments, the back of the thermal imager housing 102 candetachably couple to the front of the removable detector housing 104 byway of mating fasteners 120, 122. More particularly, the thermal imagerhousing 102 can include one or more fasteners 120 and the removabledetector housing 104 can include one or more mating fasteners 122configured to detachably couple to the one or more fastener 120.

In some examples, the fasteners 120, 122 can include one or more matingmagnetic connectors. More particularly, fastener 120 on the thermalimager housing 102 can include a magnetic connector and fastener 122 onthe removable detector housing can include a mating magnetic connector.Thus, the thermal imager housing 102 can detachably couple to theremovable detector housing 104 by coupling the mating magneticconnectors together.

In another example, the mating fasteners 120, 122 may include matingmechanical fasteners. For example, fastener 120 on the thermal imagerhousing 102 may include one or more female fasteners and fastener 122 onthe removable detector housing may include one or more male fasteners.Thus, the thermal imager housing can detachably couple to the removabledetector housing by coupling the female fastener on the thermal imagerhousing 102 to the male fastener on the removable detector housing 104.

Many example of mating mechanical fasteners are possible. For instance,example mechanical fasteners may include, but are not limited to,physical connectors, clips, pins, and/or positive and negative latches,or other retention features.

In examples, it may be advantageous to utilize magnetic connectors forthe mating fasteners 120, 122, as magnetic connectors allow for quickrelease of the corresponding components (e.g., the thermal imager 102and the removable detector housing 104). In other examples, it may beadvantageous to utilize mechanical fasteners to provide a morestabilized connection between the corresponding components. Physicalconnectors, clips, pins, positive and negative latches, and retentionfeatures described herein may have different performance with respect toquick release of the corresponding components and stabilized connectionbetween the corresponding components. For example, clips may allow formore quick release of the corresponding components than pins or latches.As another example, latches may provide a more stabilized connectionbetween the corresponding components than pins or clips.

Additionally or alternatively, the thermal imager housing 102 mayinclude a negative cavity to receive the removable detector housing 104.

Further, the back of the thermal imager housing 102 can detachablyelectrically couple to the front of the removable detector housing 104by way of mating electrical connectors 124, 126. More particularly, theelectrical connector 124 on the thermal imager housing 102 may includeone or more electrical pins and electrical connector 126 on theremovable detector housing may include one or more mating electricalpins. Thus, the thermal imager housing 102 can electrically couple tothe removable detector housing 104 by coupling the electrical pins ofelectrical connector 124 and the mating electrical pins of electricalconnector 126. Although the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate mating 4-pin electrical connectors, other configurations arepossible (e.g., 2-pin electrical connector, 3-pin electrical connector,etc.).

Further, in example embodiments, the mating electrical connectors 124,126 allow data transfer between components of the thermal imager housing102 and components of the removable detector housing 104. For instance,when the thermal imager housing 102 and the removable detector housing104 are electrically coupled to one another, the computing device housedin the thermal imager housing 102 may send an instruction to the thermaldetector 114 and corresponding components, for example, to capture athermal image. And, the computing device may receive data correspondingto the thermal image from the thermal detector 114 and correspondingcomponents.

Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, componentsof the thermal imager housing 102 may be able to transfer data tocomponents of the removable detector housing 104 by way of a wirelessconnection.

In these examples, the removable detector housing 104 may additionallyinclude a computing device, similar to the computing device of thethermal imager housing 102. Namely, the computing device includes atleast one processor and data storage including program instructionsstored thereon that when executed by the at least one processor, causecomponents of the removable detector housing 104 (e.g., thermal detector114) to perform one or more of the functions described herein. Bothcomputing device of the thermal imager housing 102 and the computingdevice of the removable detector housing 104 may include respectivecommunication units.

The computing devices of the thermal imager housing 102 and theremovable detector housing 104 may then communicate via a wirelesscommunication link in accordance with one or more wireless communicationstandards or protocols. For example, the communication link can include,a network, a Bluetooth, a Z-Wave network, a ZigBee, and/or othersuitable wireless communication protocol network.

Although in example embodiments described above the back of the thermalimager housing 102 detachably couples to the front of the removabledetector housing 104, in other embodiments another side of a thermalimager housing detachably couples to another side of a removabledetector housing. For example, in some embodiments the front of athermal imager housing 102 detachably couples to the back of a removabledetector housing 104.

Further, although in example embodiments described above the back of thethermal imager housing 102 detachably electrically couples to the frontof the removable detector housing 104, in other embodiments another sideof a thermal imager housing 102 detachably couples to another side of aremovable detector housing 104. For example, in some embodiments thefront of a thermal imager housing 102 detachably electrically couples tothe back of a removable detector housing 104.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the thermal imager housing 102, a flexibleconnector 128, and the removable detector housing 104, according toexample embodiments. As noted above, in practice, areas may be difficultto access to obtain a thermal image. Accordingly, the thermal imagedevice 100 described herein may incorporate a flexible connector 128 toprovide an extension between the thermal imager housing 102 and theremovable detector housing 104, improving access to such restricted anddifficult to reach areas.

More particularly, in examples, the flexible connector 128 can beutilized between the thermal imager housing 102 and the removabledetector housing 104. The flexible connector 128 can include a first end130 and second end 132, with a body 134 between the first end 130 andthe second end 132. The first end 130 of the flexible connector 128 candetachably couple to thermal imager housing 102 and the second end 132of the flexible connector 128 can detachably couple to the removabledetector housing 104.

In examples, the body 134 of the flexible connector 128 is semi-rigidsuch that it is adjustable upon application of a force, but can hold theremovable detector housing 104 in a fixed position during use of thethermal imager device 100 (e.g., capturing a thermal image). Forinstance, a user can manually apply a force (e.g., using their hands) toadjust the configuration of the flexible connector 128.

In practice, a user can capture a first thermal image via the thermalimager device 100 with the flexible connector 128 in a firstconfiguration and the removable detector housing 104 in a firstposition, as shown in FIG. 7A. The user can then manually adjust theflexible connector 128 such that the flexible connector 128 is in asecond configuration and the removable detector housing 104 is in asecond position, as shown in FIG. 7B. After the flexible connector 128is adjusted such that it is in the second configuration and theremovable detector housing 104 is in the second position, the user cancapture a second thermal image via the thermal imager device 100.Accordingly, the flexible connector 128 can allow the user to capturethermal images in areas which may otherwise be restricted or difficultto access.

In some examples, the body 134 has a length between the first end 130and second 132 of between 6 and 24 inches. In some examples, the body134 has a length between the first end 130 and second 132 of between 6and 8 inches. In some examples, the body 134 has a length between thefirst end 130 and second 132 of between 6 and 12 inches. In someexamples, the body 134 has a length between the first end 130 and second132 of between 12 and 18 inches. In some examples, the body 134 has alength between the first end 130 and second 132 of between 12 and 24inches. Other lengths of the body 134 are possible.

Even further, the user can remove the flexible connector 128 to directlycouple the removable detector housing 104 to the thermal imager housing102 to capture a third thermal image, for example. As such, the variousconfigurations of the thermal imager device 100 allow the user tocapture thermal images with and without the flexible connector 128.

FIG. 8 illustrates the flexible connector 128, according to an exampleembodiment. In example embodiments, the first end 130 and the second end132 of the flexible connector 128 include fasteners 136, 138 andelectrical connectors 140, 142.

More particularly, the first end 130 of the flexible connector 128 candetachably couple to the back of the thermal imager housing 102 by wayof mating fasteners 120, 136. More particularly, the thermal imagerhousing 102 can include one or more fasteners 120 and the first end 130of the flexible connector 128 can include one or more mating fasteners136 configured to detachably couple to the one or more fastener 120.

In some examples, the fasteners 120, 136 can include one or more matingmagnetic connectors. More particularly, fastener 120 on the thermalimager housing 102 can include a magnetic connector and fastener 136 onthe first end 130 of the flexible connector 128 can include a matingmagnetic connector. Thus, the thermal imager housing 102 can detachablycouple to the first end 130 of the flexible connector 128 by couplingthe mating magnetic connectors together.

In another example, the fasteners 120, 136 may include mating mechanicalfasteners. For example, fastener 120 on the thermal imager housing 102may include one or more female fasteners and fastener 136 on the firstend 130 of the flexible connector 128 may include one or more malefasteners. Thus, the thermal imager housing 102 can detachably couple tothe first end 130 of the flexible connector 128 by coupling the femalefastener on the thermal imager housing 102 to the male fastener on thefirst end 130 of the flexible connector 128. Many example of matingmechanical fasteners are possible as described above in connection withmating fasteners 120, 122.

Similarly, the second end 132 of the flexible connector 128 candetachably couple to the front of the removable detector housing 104 byway of mating fasteners 122, 138. More particularly, the removabledetector housing 104 can include one or more fasteners 122 and thesecond end 132 of the flexible connector 128 can include one or moremating fasteners 138 configured to detachably couple to the one or morefastener 122.

In some examples, the fasteners 122, 138 can include one or more matingmagnets. More particularly, fastener 122 on the removable detectorhousing 104 can include a magnetic connector and fastener 138 on thesecond end 132 of the flexible connector 128 can include a matingmagnetic connector. Thus, the removable detector housing 104 candetachably couple to the second end 132 of the flexible connector 128 bycoupling the mating magnetic connectors together.

In another example, the mechanical fasteners 122, 138 may include matingmechanical fasteners. For example, fastener 122 on the removabledetector housing 104 may include one or more female fasteners andfastener 138 on the second end 132 of the flexible connector 128 mayinclude one or more male fasteners. Thus, the removable detector housing104 can detachably couple to the second end 132 of the flexibleconnector 128 by coupling the female fastener on the removable detectorhousing 104 to the male fastener on the second end 132 of the flexibleconnector 128. Many example of mating mechanical fasteners are possibleas described above in connection with mating fasteners 120, 122.

In examples, the fastener 120 on the thermal imager housing 102 is thesame type as, or substantially similar to, the fastener 138 on thesecond end 132 of the flexible connector 128. And the fastener 122 onthe removable detector housing 104 is the same type as, or substantiallysimilar to, the fastener 136 on the first end 130 of the flexibleconnector 128. This configuration allows the removable detector housing104 to easily be removed from the thermal imager housing 102 andreattached to the second end 132 of the flexible connector 128. Thisconfiguration also allows for coupling of the first end 130 of theflexible connector 128 to the thermal imager housing 102, in place ofthe removable detector housing 104.

Further, the back of the thermal imager housing 102 can detachablyelectrically couple to the first end 130 of the flexible connector 128by way of mating electrical connectors 124, 140. More particularly, theelectrical connector 124 on the thermal imager housing 102 may includeone or more electrical pins and electrical connector 140 on the firstend 130 of the flexible connector 128 may include one or more matingelectrical pins. Thus, the thermal imager housing 102 can electricallycouple to the first end 130 of the flexible connector 128 by couplingthe electrical pins of electrical connector 124 and the matingelectrical pins of electrical connector 140.

Similarly, the front of the removable detector housing 104 candetachably electrically couple to the second end 132 of the flexibleconnector 128 by way of mating electrical connectors 126, 142. Moreparticularly, the electrical connector 126 on the removable detectorhousing 104 may include one or more electrical pins and electricalconnector 142 on the second end 132 of the flexible connector 128 mayinclude one or more mating electrical pins. Thus, the removable detectorhousing 104 can electrically couple to the second end 132 of theflexible connector 128 by coupling the electrical pins of electricalconnector 126 and the mating electrical pins of electrical connector142. Many examples of mating electrical connectors are possible.

In examples, the body 134 of the flexible connector 128 includescomponents to facilitate electrically coupling the first end 130 and thesecond end 132 of the flexible connector 128. For example, the flexibleconnector 128 can be at least partially hollow to allow the passage ofwires electrically connecting the first end 130 to the second end 132.The wires may be flexible to allow for adjustments of the configurationof the flexible connector 128, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Although in example embodiments described above the back of the thermalimager housing 102 detachably couples to the first end 130 of theflexible connector 128, in other embodiments another side of a thermalimager housing 102 detachably couples to another side of the flexibleconnector 128. For example, the front of a thermal imager housing 102detachably couples to the second end 132 of the flexible connector 128.

Similarly, although in example embodiments described above the front ofthe removable detector housing 104 detachably couples to the second end132 of the flexible connector 128, in other embodiments another side ofa removable detector housing 104 detachably couples to another side ofthe flexible connector 128. For example, the back of a removabledetector housing 104 detachably couples to the first end 130 of theflexible connector 128.

Further, although in example embodiments described above the back of thethermal imager housing 102 detachably electrically couples to the firstend 130 of the flexible connector 128, in other embodiments another sideof a thermal imager housing 102 detachably couples to another side ofthe flexible connector 128. For example, the front of a thermal imagerhousing 102 detachably electrically couples to the second end 132 of theflexible connector 128.

Similarly, although in example embodiments described above the front ofthe removable detector housing 104 detachably electrically couples tothe second end 132 of the flexible connector 128, in other embodimentsanother side of a removable detector housing 104 detachably couples toanother side of the flexible connector 128. For example, the back of aremovable detector housing 104 detachably electrically couples to thefirst end 130 of the flexible connector 128.

Further, the body 134 of the flexible connector 128 can includeelectrically non-conductive material, so as to avoid interference of thewires. One example of such a material is acetal copolymer material,which may include polyoxymethylene. Many other plastics and/or othernon-conductive electrical materials may be utilized for the flexibleconnector 128.

In example embodiments, the electrical connectors 140, 142 on the firstend 130 and the second end 132 allow data transfer between components ofthe thermal imager housing 102 and components of the removable detectorhousing 104 via the wires housed within the flexible connector 128.

As such, when the thermal imager housing 102 is electrically coupled tothe first end 130 of the flexible connector 128 and the removabledetector housing 104 is electrically coupled to the second end 132 ofthe flexible connector 128, the computing device housed in the thermalimager housing 102 may send an instruction to the thermal detector 114and corresponding components, for example, to capture a thermal image.And, the computing device may receive data corresponding to the thermalimage from the thermal detector 114 and corresponding components. Insome examples, the mating electrical connectors 140, 142 allow powertransfer between components of the thermal imager housing 102 andcomponents of the removable detector housing 104 in addition to data.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the flexible connector 128 and links 144 a,144 b of the flexible connector 128, respectively, according to exampleembodiments. As noted above, the flexible connector 128 can besemi-rigid such that it is adjustable upon application of a force, butcan remain in a fixed position to hold the removable detector housing104 in place during use of the thermal imager device 100.

In some examples, the body 134 of the flexible connector 128 may includea series of links, such as links 144 a and 144 b, as shown in FIG. 9B.In these examples, each link (e.g., 144 a) in the series of links can befrictionally coupled to an adjacent link (e.g., 144 b). Further, eachlink 144 a, 144 b may include a conical portion 146 a, 146 b and a roundportion 148 a and 148 b. The conical portion 146 a of the first link 144a can be coupled to a round portion 148 b of the adjacent second link144 b. This configuration allows frictional engagement and radialmovement of the round portion 148 b so as to permit coupling of thefirst link 144 a with the adjacent second link 144 b. This configurationalso provides sufficient rigidity of the flexible connector 128 tosupport the removable housing detector 104 when in use, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B.

It should be understood that the arrangements described herein and/orshown in the drawings are for purposes of example only and are notintended to be limiting. As such, those skilled in the art willappreciate that other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines,interfaces, functions, orders, and/or groupings of functions) can beused instead, and some elements can be omitted altogether.

While various aspects and embodiments are described herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopebeing indicated by the claims, along with the full scope of equivalentsto which such claims are entitled. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein for the purpose of describing embodiments only,and is not intended to be limiting.

In this description, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used tointroduce elements and/or functions of the example embodiments. Theintent of using those articles is that there is one or more of theintroduced elements and/or functions.

In this description, the intent of using the term “and/or” within a listof at least two elements or functions and the intent of using the terms“at least one of,” “at least one of the following,” “one or more of,”“one or more from among,” and “one or more of the following” immediatelypreceding a list of at least two components or functions is to covereach embodiment including a listed component or function independentlyand each embodiment including a combination of the listed components orfunctions. For example, an embodiment described as including A, B,and/or C, or at least one of A, B, and C, or at least one of: A, B, andC, or at least one of A, B, or C, or at least one of: A, B, or C, or oneor more of A, B, and C, or one or more of: A, B, and C, or one or moreof A, B, or C, or one or more of: A, B, or C is intended to cover eachof the following possible embodiments: (i) an embodiment including A,but not B and not C, (ii) an embodiment including B, but not A and notC, (iii) an embodiment including C, but not A and not B, (iv) anembodiment including A and B, but not C, (v) an embodiment including Aand C, but not B, (v) an embodiment including B and C, but not A, and/or(vi) an embodiment including A, B, and C. For the embodiments includingcomponent or function A, the embodiments can include one A or multipleA. For the embodiments including component or function B, theembodiments can include one B or multiple B. For the embodimentsincluding component or function C, the embodiments can include one C ormultiple C.

The use of ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” “third” and so onis to distinguish respective elements rather than to denote an order ofthose elements unless the context of using those terms explicitlyindicates otherwise. Further, the description of a “first” element, suchas a first plate, does not necessitate the presence of a second or anyother element, such as a second plate.

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermal imager device comprising: a thermalimager housing, the thermal imager housing comprising a display and usercontrols; a removable detector housing comprising a thermal detector; aflexible connector configured to detachably couple the removabledetector housing to the thermal imager housing, the flexible connectorcomprising a first end, a second end, and a body between the first endand the second end, wherein the flexible connector is configured todetachably couple to the thermal imager housing at the first end,wherein the flexible connector is configured to detachably couple to theremovable detector housing at the second end; and wherein the thermalimager housing is configured to detachably couple directly to theremovable detector housing.
 2. The thermal imager device of claim 1,wherein the removable detector housing comprises a camera and a light.3. The thermal imager device of claim 1, wherein the first end of theflexible connector comprises a first magnetic connector, wherein thethermal imager housing comprises a second magnetic connector, andwherein the first end of the flexible connector is configured todetachably couple to the thermal imager housing by coupling the firstmagnetic connector to the second magnetic connector.
 4. The thermalimager device of claim 3, wherein the second end of the flexibleconnector comprises a third magnetic connector, wherein the removabledetector housing comprises a fourth magnetic connector, and wherein thesecond end of the flexible connector is configured to detachably couplethe removable detector housing by coupling the third magnetic connectorto the fourth magnetic connector.
 5. The thermal imager device of claim1, wherein the first end of the flexible connector comprises a firstmechanical fastener and the thermal imager housing comprises a secondmechanical fastener, wherein the first end of the flexible connector isconfigured to detachably couple to the thermal imager housing bycoupling the first mechanical fastener to the second mechanicalfastener.
 6. The thermal imager device of claim 5, wherein the secondend of the flexible connector comprises a third mechanical fastener andthe removable detector housing comprises a fourth mechanical fastener,wherein the second end of the flexible connector is configured todetachably couple to the removable detector housing by coupling thethird mechanical fastener to the fourth mechanical fastener.
 7. Thethermal imager device of claim 1, wherein the flexible connectorcomprises electrically non-conductive material.
 8. The thermal imagerdevice of claim 1, wherein the flexible connector comprises a pluralityof links, and wherein each link of the plurality of links isfrictionally coupled to another link of the plurality of links.
 9. Thethermal imager device of claim 1, wherein the flexible connector issemi-rigid such that the flexible connector is adjustable uponapplication of a force.
 10. The thermal imager device of claim 1,wherein the flexible connector comprises a first electrical component onthe first side of the flexible connector and a second electricalcomponent on the second side of the flexible connector, wherein thefirst electrical connector is configured to electrically couple to athird electrical component on the thermal imager housing, and whereinthe second electrical component is configured to electrically couple toa fourth electrical component on the removable detector housing.
 11. Thethermal imager device of claim 1, wherein the body of the flexibleconnector comprises a plastic material.
 12. The thermal imager device ofclaim 1, wherein the thermal imager housing is coupled to a handle, andwherein the user control comprises a trigger button on the handle.
 13. Athermal imager device comprising: a thermal imager housing, the thermalimager housing comprising a display and user controls; a removabledetector housing comprising a thermal detector, wherein the removabledetector housing comprises a first connector, wherein the thermal imagerhousing comprises a second connector, and wherein the removable detectorhousing is configured to detachably couple directly to the thermalimager housing by coupling the first connector to the second connector;and a flexible connector configured to detachably couple the removabledetector to the thermal imager housing, the flexible connectorcomprising a first end, a second end, and a body between the first endand the second end, wherein the flexible connector is configured todetachably couple to the thermal imager housing at the first end, andwherein the flexible connector is configured to detachably couple to theremovable detector housing at the second end.
 14. The thermal imagerdevice of claim 13, wherein the removable detector housing comprises acamera and a light.
 15. The thermal imager device of claim 13, whereinthe thermal imager housing comprises a first magnetic connector and theremovable detector housing comprises a second magnetic connector, andwherein the thermal imager housing is configured to detachably couple tothe removable detector housing by coupling the first magnetic connectorto the second magnetic connector.
 16. The thermal imager device of claim13, wherein the thermal imager housing comprises a first electricalcomponent and the removable detector housing comprises a secondelectrical component, and wherein the first electrical component on thethermal imager housing is configured to electrically couple to thesecond electrical component on the removable detector housing.
 17. Thethermal imager device of claim 13, wherein the flexible connectorcomprises a plurality of links, and wherein each link of the pluralityof links is frictionally coupled to another link of the plurality oflinks.
 18. The thermal imager device of claim 13, wherein the flexibleconnector is semi-rigid such that the flexible connector is adjustableupon application of a force.